Thursday, 3 November 2011

2009 Cadillac Converj Concept

With the Cadillac Converj Concept General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion, this time in the form of luxury transportation. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.
The four-passenger Cadillac Converj concept is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsion technology - called Voltec - can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac "no compromises" design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Cadillac Converj concept has production substance. "It's a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."
Cadillac's extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand's traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

Voltec - innovative propulsion technology
The Cadillac Converj's Voltec electric propulsion system is made up of a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car.
A thermally managed battery pack contains more than 220 lithium-ion cells that provide the primary power to drive the Cadillac Converj electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions. The battery is integrated into the Cadillac Converj's chassis and stores electricity from the grid when the vehicle is plugged in. It takes less than three hours to recharge the battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet.

When the battery's energy is low, the Cadillac Converj seamlessly switches to extended-range mode. During this secondary level of operation, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity. The engine-generator ensures a constant supply of power for hundreds of miles until the car is refueled or plugged in to recharge the battery. This extended-range mode eliminates the range anxiety that comes with driving pure electric vehicles that offer no backup power when the battery charge is low.
Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Cadillac Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.
There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Cadillac Converj Concept also features GM's Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.
Pure Cadillac design
There's no mistaking the Converj for anything but a Cadillac, according to Lutz. "An aggressive, forward-leaning profile hints at a new, progressive theme and proportion in Cadillac's design evolution," he says. "The new proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2."
The overall shape is reinforced by a prominent, sweeping body line with large, 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) wheels pushed to the edges of the body. The Cadillac Converj exterior is painted a dark silver tri-coat that GM designers dubbed "Reaction."
An all-glass roof incorporates solar panels that help offset power drain from the vehicle's accessories. Additionally, several aerodynamic and design efficiencies were incorporated to enhance the driving range, including:
  • A full under-vehicle cover (belly pan)
  • Minimal grille openings that reduce drag at the front of the vehicle
  • Low-profile rearview cameras replace conventional outside mirrors to reduce drag
  • Wheels are shaped to push air outward for smoother body side airflow
The Cadillac Converj also incorporates vertical headlamp and taillamp elements, with light pipe technology.
"Vertical lamps are Cadillac signatures and the Cadillac Converj builds on the brand's light pipe technology with bolder light emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge elements front and rear," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "There is also a unique daylight light 'spear' at the top of the headlamps."
Luxury meets technology inside
The Cadillac Converj's interior has advanced features and luxurious appointments blending efficiency and environmental consciousness. The 2+2 configuration is trimmed in contrasting Winter White synthetic suede - including the top of the instrument panel - and Midnight Black leather, with polished aluminum and wood grain accents. Renewable materials are used throughout such as wool-blend carpeting, a headliner made from silk, suede made from post-industrial content and more.
A technologically advanced driver center increases efficiency and reduces the draw on the battery. Features include:
  • New, organic light-emitting diode technology used on reconfigurable instrument cluster
  • Touch-screen navigation, climate, center-stack controls and audio systems
  • Adjustable, overhead white ambient lighting
  • Unique "power on" sequence featuring blue-lit console graphics
  • Screen displays for features including regenerative braking, battery charge level and power output
  • No inside rearview or outside mirrors; cameras provide surrounding images on a screen placed high on the instrument panel for a full, panoramic view
  • Push-button ignition and power-folding front seats




2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid


Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world's first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving - all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.
"Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV."

The Hybrid goes on sale in the US in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade's technology leadership. The potential for sales of the Hybrid in Europe are currently being evaluated with a decision expected within six months.
"No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably," Taylor said. "And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade."
Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade's standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac's leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.

Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology
The Escalade's 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.
GM's patented 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The key to Escalade's 2-Mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.
The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most - in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM's energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile's impact on the environment.

Cadillac's smooth and quiet power
Acoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include:
  • A new exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine's Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation
  • An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system
  • An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
  • The Energy Storage System cooling system's internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants.

Escalade aesthetic
The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac's overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.
The Escalade's warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.





2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine


As Americans celebrate the inauguration of a new president of the United States, another new Cadillac will grace Pennsylvania Avenue to lead the proceedings. President Barack Obama will ride in an all-new Cadillac Presidential Limousine, continuing a long tradition of Cadillac limousines that have served many U.S. presidents.
"Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine," said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. "This is a great American tradition that we're delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac's dramatic design and technology."

The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the automobile, and continues into a historic new era. The latest Cadillac Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting specifications befitting presidential transport.
Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the brand's signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac's most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design elements, such as the car's front and rear lighting, mirror those used on production models.

For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.
The side and rear profiles of the new Cadillac Presidential Limousine are classic, elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac's STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the cabin, the car includes the finest examples of Cadillac's recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship. The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sport sedan.
Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features.

The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car's functional capabilities are preserved and confidential.
An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

History - Cadillac and the U.S. Presidency
Cadillac has built limousines and special vehicles for U.S. presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries since the early 20th century, an iconic aspect of the brand that continues today.
Cadillac's central role began during World War I, when many Cadillac engines and cars were transferred to military and government service because of their superior durability and power. One of the first chief executives to use a Cadillac was President Wilson, who rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade in 1919. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used in the Calvin Coolidge administration.
In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles, dubbed the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth," were delivered to the U.S. government. Named after the great ocean liners of the time, the vehicles were 21.5 feet long, weighed 7,660 pounds and were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios and heavy-duty generators. Durable and reliable, the two "Queens" served Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
President Eisenhower, known as a car buff, rode in one of the first Cadillac Eldorado models ever produced during his 1953 inaugural parade. The Eldorado represented a high point in automobile design history, as it had the first wraparound windshield, a feature quickly adopted on other new production models.
In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were slightly smaller, but like their predecessors, were fully armored and featured state-of-the art communications. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tire in case the tires were shot out. The Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II served not only President Eisenhower, but also Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.
The Ronald W. Reagan administration was delivered a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine and a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham - Presidential Series was delivered to the William J. Clinton administration in 1993. Unlike previous models that typically were Cadillac cars adapted and modified by independent limousine companies, the 1993 Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors and Cadillac. This included an extensive set of security measures to maintain confidentiality, a process that continues today.
Currently, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine resides at the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif., while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.
Cadillac has produced two presidential limousines this decade that remain in service. The first was a Deville Presidential model delivered to President George W. Bush in 2001. In 2004, President Bush debuted a new DTS Presidential model. It was the first application of a new design that launched later that year for the production DTS full-size sedan.

2010 Cadillac Aera Concept


The Cadillac Aera Concept won the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge, tying with Smart and besting entries from seven other automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Maybach. GM Advanced Design has now won the honor more times than any other design team; this is its third victory since 2005.
This is the seventh year for the contest, and this year designers were asked to envision the "1,000 lb. car" and tasked to imagine an efficient four-passenger vehicle that maintained comfort, safety, driving performance and style while not exceeding the weight requirement.

"The Cadillac Aera concept was designed to continue the forward-thinking imagination of Cadillac's 'art and science' philosophy," explains Jussi Timonen, lead designer for the project. "It's designed as a small city urban vehicle, but we approached this 2+2 touring coupe very much from the brand's luxury perspective. Every detail of the Aera was conceived to minimize the vehicle's environmental impact without sacrificing the style, comfort and attention to detail that are hallmarks of the Cadillac brand."

The Cadillac Aera Concept is powered by compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System that has a 10,000-psi composite air storage tank with capacity for a 1,000-mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.

Cadillac Aera's body utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame that was designed to be similar to configurations found consistently in nature. The structure is formed from unique, alloy-utilizing, semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a naturally strong, extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially "grown" into a single part lattice structure.
The interior is crafted with an ultra-light recyclable polymer that allows for HVAC channels, fully adjustable seating, storage and comfort features all in one mono-form structure. Generous storage space accommodates luggage for two people.

Additional technologies include an all-in-one wheel system that combines rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive-by-wire system decreases the mass of electrical components, while vehicle-to-vehicle communication promotes active safety.
The concept was conceived in GM's North Hollywood Advanced Design Studio by Frank Saucedo, director; Phil Tanioka, vehicle designer; Brent Wickham, concept strategist; Shawn Moghadam, layout designer and Timonen, the project manager. Earlier this week, GM commemorated 10 years of advanced design at the L.A. area studio.

"This year's design challenge was extremely difficult to judge because of the quality of all of the entries, but I believe that the executions that won exemplified everything that we were trying to achieve with this competition," said Stewart Reed, chair, Transportation Design, Art Center College of Design. "The concepts that won were really spot on for their brands, which was one of many reasons for the victory."

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference and has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Design Los Angeles connects those working in the design industry with well-known automotive design industry leaders. Los Angeles is home to the world's largest concentration of manufacturer design studios, representing automakers from North America, Europe and Asia. It is also the home of Art Center College of Design, one of the world's foremost transportation design institutions where many of today's leading automotive designers began their careers.

2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon


Amidst the beauty and history of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Cadillac treats car enthusiasts to a world premiere of its latest production-car design. The 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon makes its debut on the Monterey Peninsula, showcasing a dramatic design that elevates and updates the classic wagon body style.
Not unlike many historic Cadillac designs, the new Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon is an unmistakable and dynamic presence. The car's intricately cut rear profile injects fashion-forward design into the formerly utilitarian world of wagons. Cadillac's upcoming wagon offers ample interior space and includes a range of six-cylinder engine choices, making it a compelling alternative to larger utility vehicles.
Based on the hot-selling Cadillac CTS sport sedan, and a sister vehicle to the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, the Sport Wagon extends the design-driven renaissance of Cadillac. Following this special premiere at Pebble Beach, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon moves to the worldwide auto show circuit this fall - and into Cadillac dealerships in spring 2009.

"The addition of this dramatically-designed Sport Wagon is well synchronized with today's changing consumer tastes as a compelling alternative to SUVs or other larger vehicles," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "This is an important step in Cadillac's ongoing global expansion, and of course in international markets like Europe, wagons have been and continue to be very significant."
A striking profile is created with the Cadillac CTS wagon, with a silhouette that suggests speed and aerodynamic efficiency. It rides on the same 113.4-inch (2,880-mm) wheelbase as the Cadillac CTS sport sedan and is 0.3-inch (7 mm) shorter. However, it offers a generous cargo area of 25 cubic feet (720 liters) behind the rear seats. Design highlights include:
  • Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif
  • Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology
  • Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)
  • CHMSL integrated in subtle roof spoiler
  • Integrated roof load management system with cross bars for a seamless appearance
  • Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment
  • New 19-inch wheels
  • Larger available panoramic rear sunroof
The Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, like its sedan predecessor, includes available features such as all-wheel drive, a 40-gigabyte internal hard drive, pop-up navigation screen and a hand-cut-and-sewn interior with Sapele wood accents.
"The CTS Sport Wagon is an important expansion to the Cadillac lineup worldwide," said Taylor.

Design details
Dramatic planes highlight the Cadillac CTS wagon's design, including a V-shaped motif carried throughout the vehicle and carefully integrated intersections of exterior surfaces. The elements coalesce in a dramatic fashion, creating tension that emphasizes the vehicle's performance.
"It's a taut design that not only suggests sleekness, but delivers it," said Clay Dean, global design director for Cadillac. "Indeed, the drama of the sedan is amplified in the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, as the centerline cue that is part of the exterior and interior is more prominent and plays a stronger role in defining the design at the rear of the vehicle."
The emotion of the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon's design is carried by a number of nuanced details. The liftgate area, for example, is a confluence of angles and planes that typifies the vehicle's design tension. Cadillac's "V" motif is most prominent here, culminating in a spine at the center of the liftgate that is accented with a subtle spoiler at the top of the backlight. The rear quarter panels extend slightly beyond the inward-angled planes of the V, creating a distinctive W shape at the rear of the vehicle. Large, prominent vertical taillamps - with Cadillac's signature light pipe technology - are the final, dramatic touches to the rear-end styling.

"The more you study the rear of the CTS Sport Wagon, the more you see," said Dean. "Functionality was certainly a guiding factor during development, but so was the idea to inject emotion into the normally sedate wagon category."
One of the more interesting integrations of form and function is found in the seamless roof load management system. Rather than stylized stanchions, brackets and cross bars that protrude above the roof line, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon's system blends with the roofline, maintaining an uninterrupted appearance. The center section of the roof panel angles downward inside the roof edges, allowing an unobtrusive placement of the cross bars - and creating a subtle fin effect at the trailing edges of the rear panels.
"They're not fins in the classic sense, but they work to help disguise the cargo load system and, yes, they acknowledge Cadillac's design heritage," said Dean.
The interior of the Sport Wagon is common with the much-acclaimed sport sedan, including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and hand-cut-and-sewn accents with French stitching.

Powertrains
Direct injection technology helps the Cadillac CTS offer more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions. It delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. This means less fuel is consumed and lower emissions created.
With the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon's 3.6L V-6, direct injection translates to 304 horsepower (227 kW)*, no loss of fuel efficiency and a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline. The Sport Wagon's fuel economy is expected to be similar to the peak rating of the existing sport sedan's 26 mpg highway rating. The standard 3.6L VVT engine that produces 263 horsepower (196 kW) and 253 lb.-ft. of torque (343 Nm) serves as the base engine in North America.
Just like the Cadillac CTS sport sedan, the V-6 engines are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions, including an Aisin six-speed manual or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic. As is the case on the sport sedan, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon includes AWD as an option.
An efficient 2.9L turbo-diesel engine is being developed for Cadillac CTS models primarily in European and Asian markets. It is a compact, dual overhead cam, four-valve V-6 engine from GM's family of diesel engines that delivers optimal fuel economy as well as reduced emissions and noise. The engine is rated at 184 kW (250 hp).

Driving dynamics
The robust and dynamic CTS chassis infuses the new wagon with a great balance of performance and luxury. It uses an independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system and a multi-link rear suspension.
The multi-link rear suspension features a fully isolated subframe that helps deliver excellent suspension kinematics, contributing to a superior ride and excellent handling.
Advanced chassis technology in the form of Cadillac's StabiliTrak electronic chassis control system integrates the car's standard four-channel ABS with the full-function traction control, hydraulic brake assist and engine drag control systems to deliver a safer, more confident driving experience. Additional chassis details include a structure-enhancing tower-to-tower brace under the hood; large, four-wheel disc brakes and premium steering.

Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon Preliminary Specifications
  • Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive wagon
  • Wheelbase: 113.4" / 2880mm
  • Length: 191.3" / 4859 mm
  • Width: 72.6" / 1842 mm
  • Height: 59.1" / 1502 mm
  • Track: 61.8" / 1570 mm (front); 62" / 1575 mm (rear)
  • Engines: 3.6L VVT V-6 (263 hp / 196 kW) 3.6L V-6 VVT DI (304 hp / 227 kW)
  • Transmissions: Aisin six-speed manual or Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic
  • Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front; multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, monotube shock absorbers
  • Steering: variable-assist rack-and-pinion
  • Brakes: four-wheel disc; aluminum or iron dual-piston front calipers; aluminum or iron single-piston rear calipers
  • Wheels: 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch aluminum
  • EPA luggage capacity: 25 cu ft / 720 l (behind rear seats)
  • EPA total volume: 121.9 cu ft / 3452 l


2010 Cadillac SLS


Shanghai GM unveiled the new Cadillac SLS. It is one of two new models - along with the Buick Excelle XT - that made its global debut on the automaker's stand at the 2009 Guangzhou Auto Show.
The new SLS is the next generation of Cadillac SLS luxury business sedan that was first introduced in China in 2006. It combines the American luxury brand's traditional elegance with cutting-edge technologies and is specifically tailored for business elites. It is the first model from Shanghai GM equipped with OnStar.
Choice of Fuel-Efficient SIDI Engines
The new Cadillac SLS comes with a choice of two new world-class Direct Injection engines mated to a six-speed automatic-manual transmission. The 3.0-liter SIDI engine offers 272 horsepower with 300 Nm of torque, while the 3.6-liter SIDI engine generates maximum power of 310 horsepower and 374 Nm of torque. In addition to providing impressive power, the engines reduce fuel consumption by 9 percent and generate lower hydrocarbon emissions compared to similar powerplants.


OnStar Safety, Security and Information Service
The new SLS features GM's OnStar in-vehicle safety, security and information service, which goes live in China in early December. With the press of a button, Cadillac SLS owners will instantaneously become connected with the OnStar Call Center for service 24 hours per day/365 days per year.
OnStar will initially offer 14 services: Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Automatic Air Bag Deployment Response, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, On-Demand Diagnostics, Good Samaritan, Stolen Vehicle Location, Remote Door Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights, Roadside Assistance, Hands-Free Calling, Point of Interest, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Destination Download.

Redesigned Exterior
The exterior design of the new Cadillac SLS follows the evolutionary styling of the Cadillac brand. The vehicle has a simple look with a well-proportioned, dynamic body. It has been thoroughly redesigned, giving it a more energetic and younger appearance.
Diamond-cut-like design elements appear in the new shield-shaped grille, headlights and tail lights, fog lights, turn signals and side skirts on the fender, adding to the luxury appearance.
The new SLS has a wheelbase that extends beyond 3,000 mm. Together with its wide doors, this provides greater convenience and roominess for passengers.
The Cadillac SLS comes in a choice of five body colors: Black, Titanium Silver, Golden, Space Gray and Platinum Gray. In addition, Shanghai GM offers a choice of two interior colors: Champagne and Ebony.

Finely Crafted Interior
Fine craftsmanship defines the interior of the new Cadillac SLS. Genuine leather is applied throughout the interior, accentuating the elegance and luxury of the new Cadillac SLS. The "cut and sew" technique ensures the highest quality. The cabin also makes liberal use of Sapele Pammele, a wood that is normally used for crafting violins. The 360-degree wrap-around lights in the Cadillac SLS give the interior a luxurious look at night.
All seats are ergonomically designed and wrapped with leather. The front seats feature 8-way power adjusted with four-way lumbar support. The rear seats are power adjusted with 4-way lumbar support, and heated, ventilated and the unique massages function.
Cadillac has adopted a range of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) engineering advances to keep noise out of the cockpit for a quiet and pleasant driving experience.
The new Cadillac SLS is equipped with a number of hi-tech amenities, including high-precision three-phase independently controlled air conditioning with temperature memory function; the Air Quality System (AQS), which automatically switches between air quality detection and inside circulation; an available independent three-screen entertainment system with six-disc DVD/CD and TV function; and the BOSE 5.1 acoustic system with 15 hi-fi speakers. In addition, the new SLS is equipped with an intelligent navigation system, remote engine start and a host of other functions to provide a unique and luxurious experience to owners.

Human-Oriented Safety Technologies
The new Cadillac SLS, which was put through extensive road testing in North America, offers a high level of active and passive safety.
More than 80 percent of the body of the Cadillac SLS uses high-strength steel plate. The hydraulic anti-collision column shrinks while absorbing energy in the event of a crash for the safety of all passengers.
Individual front and rear-suspension systems with Cadillac's MRC (MagneRide) Electromagnetism Active Sensing Suspension System, the power steering with speed sensitive, variable assist system and the Active Air/Control Auto Leveling System ensure smooth handling and control under all driving conditions.
Dual HID headlamps with AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) change their lighting angle according to different road conditions, while the SBZA system and rear view advanced parking camera watch out for blind spots, alerting the driver of any abnormal situations in the rearview mirror. Electronic stability control and the tire pressure monitoring system come standard.
During the unveiling of the new Cadillac SLS, Han Sanping, President of China Film Group Corporation and a leading figure in China's movie industry, joined Shanghai GM President Ding Lei to announce that Cadillac products will be featured in 20 upcoming movies.

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